LCR vegetation data collection
The fourth
component of our riparian bird surveys on the Lower Colorado River involves
performing a detailed habitat assessment for four of the LCR MSCP covered
species: Gila Woodpecker, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow Warbler, and Summer Tanager. For
each species, habitat assessments are conducted in known territories and paired
non-use sites. The assessments are comprised of a wide range of measured
variables that describe vegetation structure, plant species composition, and
abiotic factors that may affect the presence or absence of the species above.
Surveyors collected habitat data at ten use and ten non-use territories for
each of the four covered species in September and October, 2012. Surveyors also
deployed HOBO units (to collect automated abiotic data for a full year) at six
of the ten use and non-use territory centers for each of the four species. 
We had a
wonderful crew- all of which have worked on the bird survey portion of the
project as well- out collecting data this fall. It is challenging work! Here
are two reflections from the field crew along with a few photos to give you an
idea of the job…..
Living in the Veg
A poem by Michelle Tobin
We get up
before the sun
To get that
crazy veg stuff done.
Roll out of
bed, pull on clothes,
Eat some
breakfast, off we go!
The sun
rises, as we drive
And we begin
to come alive.
Thankfully,
it’s not still dark.
Jump right
out, grab our packs,
rods, tert
poles, tapes, and snacks.
Now we hike
and seek to find
The center
points and hope they’re kind.
Striding
swiftly in the open,
Come what
may, we won’t be broken.
Through
thickest TAMRAM and Mesquite,
Mud, slopes,
water, sand, and heat.
On to we are
not sure where,
What, the
center’s really there?!
Break through
veg to make a line,
Put up
flagging, now that’s fine!
The
flagging’s up, the plots laid out,
Now there’s
no time to sit and pout!
Count those
TAMRAMS, all those stems!
Take short
breaks for silly whims.
Count the corners
touching sky,
Check hits to
pole up really high.
Measure tree
trunks, see how tall.
Move through
branches, but do not fall.
We all love
POPFREs and SALGOOs,
But TAMRAMS
get a lot of boos.
Arrowweed
stomps, but also stabs,
While
mesquite pokes, tears, and jabs.
We deal with
all these, plus some more,
And, when
we’re done, we’re very sore.
Lots of
walking, ducking, crawling,
Climbing,
sloshing, slipping, falling.
We wonder how
to walk upright
And, “Just
what time will end our plight?”
And, “Will
the mosquitoes ever die?”
And, “Why are
they thickest where it’s most dry?”
At last we
return to our 4-wheeled friends,
But this is
not where our story ends.
No, we do
this again and again,
Day after
day, but still we grin.
Reflections
from Jennifer Wilcox:
Eight weeks
and ninety veg surveys ago we did not imagine it could be done. But here we are, on the other side of much
blood, sweat - and a few tears. An
accordion folder plump with data sheets is a testament to the teamwork and high
spirits maintained by our small crew over the course of the season, and with a
little distance, we can now reflect warmly upon our time spent collecting
vegetation data along the Colorado River.
The following
was written in the midst of the season:
“As we plunged
through the densest thickets of tamarisk and fallen cottonwoods with the
morning sun already burning high above us, we did not wish for water. As we tunneled for miles through narrow
vegetation with the humidity already threatening to suffocate us, we did not
wish for air conditioning. As we crawled
beneath fallen logs and combed our way through willow tangles whilst
swatting-away famished mosquitoes, we did not wish for insect repellent. As we waded through caliginous standing
water, feet sucking into the sticky bottom, we did not wish for kayaks. And as we endured sharp stabs from forgetful
sticks and branches, we did not wish to be done with our work. No, we wished only for a chainsaw.”
Thanks to the wonderful crew for their contributions: Michelle Tobin, Jennifer Tobin, Cyrus Moqtaderi, Jennifer Wilcox, David Henderson, and Lead Dawn Fletcher!
